Chaling wild rice(O.rufipogon Griff.), an elite rice germplasm resource, which had grown in the harsh environment, retained and obtained many elite traits that are not found in cultivated rice. It can be utilized in genetic improvement of cultivated rice. Excavation and utilization of elite genes from wild rice is the hotspot of rice research nowadays. In this paper, the germplasm resources evaluation as well as the research and application of elite genes such as disease resistance gene, cold resistance gene of Chaling wild rice were systematically reviewed, furthermore, the application potential of it in future rice breeding was discussed, which provides foundation for better using Chaling wild rice.